Specialty Food Workshop Starts Sep 16

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service will host a workshop for individuals interested in starting and operating a specialty food business.

What are “specialty foods?”
Specialty foods are manufactured in limited quantity with high-quality ingredients. Specialty foods generally command a high price and include products such as handmade chocolates and food truck items.

What will I learn in this food workshop?
This course will show you how to develop and manage a successful specialty food business from inception to operation. You’ll learn about:
– business planning and marketing
– financing and accounting
– permitting and feasibility assessment
– promoting and pricing your products
– ways to enter the market, such as farmers markets, food trucks, wholesaling, and supermarkets

All participants:
– join in discussions about individual business ideas
– take home a business plan template
– receive an array of other informational resources

The workshop will meet for five sessions beginning Sept. 16 and will be
offered by videoconference in Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Homer, Kodiak and
Juneau. It will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. through
Sept. 30. The instructors are Extension food research technician Kate
Idzorek and Quentin Fong, a seafood marketing specialist with Alaska Sea
Grant’s Marine Advisory Program.
Sept. 16, 18, 23, 25 & 30
5:30 – 8 p.m.

Idzorek said specialty foods are manufactured in limited quantity with high-quality ingredients and include products such as handmade chocolates and food truck items.

This course is intended for
– individuals interested in starting and operating a specialty food business to sell foods direct to consumers under the DEC Cottage Foods Exemption or a temporary DEC permit
– DEC-permitted food production businesses to sell wholesale in Alaska
– DEC-permitted Mobile Food Units (food trucks)

This course is NOT intended for individuals starting or operating a restaurant or starting an interstate or international wholesale food business.

The workshop costs $50. See details or register online here.
For more information, contact Idzorek at 907-474-5391 or [email protected]
(preregistration recommended)